Professional real estate images aim to attract attention to your listing, resulting in more showings and more offers. When ordering a listing photo package, it’s essential to know how many listing photos you should use so your listing stands out online.

Is the square footage the best indicator? Or should the number of bedrooms and bathrooms be the deciding factor? The answer is that both numbers play a role in determining how many images to order. And we’re here to help you figure this out!

Can you have too many real estate images?

Both too few and too many images can indeed hurt a listing. Keeping in mind the maximum number of pictures allowed by your MLS provider is a helpful tool; however, there needs to be a balance between telling a great story versus inundating buyers with too many images and redundant angles.

Choosing real estate images based on square footage

We have put together a guideline to help agents determine how many images to order based on square footage while keeping in mind the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

Number of images for properties up to 2,000 square feet

For properties up to 2,000 sq. ft., we recommend either 10 or 15 images based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

  • 10 images – up to 2,000 SF, or up to 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • 15 images – up to 2,000 SF, or up to 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms

These recommendations are perfect for a condo, townhouse, or small single-family home, and allow our photographers to capture the living spaces (living/family room, dining room, kitchen) as well as the beds and baths. 

But, what about properties under 2,000 sq. ft. with more bedrooms and bathrooms? Smaller square footage doesn’t mean the property is short on beds or baths. In the case of three or four bedrooms housed in less than 2,000 square feet, keep in mind how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want to show in your listing. 

If not all bedrooms are marketable, consider the number of beds and baths you want to show and lean toward 15 or 20 images. 

In your real estate images, if you’re showing all the bedrooms to tell the best story, then 25 images can also be a good fit.

Number of images for properties between 3,000 to 4,000 square feet

Moving up in square footage, ordering 25 to 35 images is more appropriate to capture common living areas along with the beds and baths.

  • 25 images – up to 3,000 SF, or up to 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms
  • 30 images – up to 4,000 SF, or up to 4 bedrooms/4 bathrooms

As the square footage increases, so can the number of common living areas. Keep these spaces in mind with ordering as you may want to add a few more images to cover rec/game rooms, finished laundry area, or multiple basement areas.

Number of images for properties greater than 5,000 square feet

When a property reaches over 5,000 square feet and above, it is typically considered a luxury listing. This type of real estate has unique selling features and marketable spaces. Should every area be photographed, though? 

The guidance above is also accurate for properties with more than average common living areas, beds, and baths. Determine which spaces will tell the best story and provide the most significant overview of the property. It’s not always necessary to show every room in your listing to attract buyers and receive the right offer. 

  • 35+ images – 5000+ SF, or a home that has several bedrooms/bathrooms, or other shared living spaces

The golden real estate image listing rule

A great listing tells a story about the property, which doesn’t necessarily mean showing every space. We know buyers have many options and can have short attention spans when viewing listings.

Spending more money on tons of real estate photos to post online may not serve the property well. Ask yourself which images will grab buyer’s attention and make them schedule a showing. Use that information and our guidelines to determine how many photos you should order. 

Get the right number of real estate images with Virtuance

As real estate experts, we know there are must-have shots, angles, and spaces you want to be photographed for any size and type of property.

Help guide our professional real estate photographers onsite by providing notes when scheduling online or on the phone. With our HDReal® real estate photos tailored to your liking, you’ll capture buyers’ attention and sell your listing faster.

FAQ

While the article focuses on interior images, exterior shots are just as important in attracting potential buyers. Typically, at least 3-5 exterior photos should be included, showcasing the front of the home, backyard, landscaping, and any unique outdoor features like a pool or patio. For larger properties or luxury listings, additional exterior shots, including aerial drone photography, can provide a more comprehensive view.

Staging can make a home look more appealing by helping buyers visualize the space’s potential. A well-staged home may require fewer images because each photo will be more impactful, effectively telling the property’s story. Conversely, un-staged or cluttered homes might need additional strategic shots to highlight their best features while minimizing distractions. Try out virtual staging if you can not have your listing staged.

If a listing includes a virtual 3d tour or video walkthrough, the number of still images may not need to be as high. Buyers can explore the space more dynamically through video, meaning the still photos should focus on key selling points rather than capturing every angle of every room. However, having high-quality images is still essential, as they are often the first thing buyers see when browsing listings.